A Silver Tree and Timeless Memories

Larry Moore • December 5, 2024

Mamaw’s Silver Tree: A Holiday Memory at Moore Funeral Home

As Christmas approaches, many of us find ourselves reminiscing about traditions and memories that have shaped our lives. This year, a special piece of my own childhood has found its way to Moore Funeral Home—a silver, antique aluminum Christmas tree that once belonged to my Mamaw, Gladys McBryar Moore.


Growing up, I remember this tree sitting proudly in the front window of my Mamaw's home every Christmas. Its metallic branches glistened in the light, and its place of honor on a small table made it seem grander than any other tree I’d ever seen. To a child, it was magical, embodying the warmth and love of the season.


Now, that same tree is in my office at Moore Funeral Home, a glowing reminder of cherished times with my Mamaw. Every time I look at it, I can picture her home, hear her voice, and feel the love she shared not only with me but with everyone who walked through her door.


For many, the holiday season is a time of joy and togetherness, but it can also be a time of reflection and longing, especially when loved ones are no longer with us. Decorations, recipes, music, and even a scent in the air can trigger memories that bring a bittersweet blend of smiles and tears.


Honoring Memories During the Holidays


While these moments of remembrance can be tender and emotional, they are also an opportunity to celebrate the lives of those who have shaped us. Here are a few ways you might honor your loved ones this season:


  1. Display a Keepsake
    Whether it’s an heirloom ornament, a handwritten recipe, or even an antique tree like mine, bringing a piece of your loved one’s past into your holiday decor can make them feel closer.
  2. Share Stories
    Gather your family and share stories about your loved ones. It’s a beautiful way to pass on their legacy and keep their spirit alive for future generations.
  3. Cook or Bake a Favorite Dish
    Food often connects us to those we’ve lost. Preparing and enjoying a favorite dish can feel like sharing a meal with them once again.
  4. Light a Candle
    Light a candle in their memory during your holiday celebrations. It’s a simple, quiet gesture that can bring comfort and a sense of presence.
  5. Give Back in Their Honor
    Consider donating to a cause they cared about or helping someone in need. Acts of kindness can be a powerful way to honor their life and legacy.


Finding Comfort in the Season


As you reflect on your loved ones this Christmas, remember that grief is often a testament to the love we shared. While the ache of their absence is real, so too is the joy found in the memories they left behind.


For me, my Mamaw's silver tree is a beacon of those memories. It reminds me of her laughter, her wisdom, and the love she poured into our family. As it glimmers in my office this season, I hope it serves as a reminder to everyone who sees it of the importance of cherishing and honoring the people who have touched our lives.


From all of us at Moore Funeral Home, we wish you a holiday season filled with peace, reflection, and the warmth of cherished memories.


If you find yourself in need of support or guidance during this time, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us. We are here to help you honor the lives of those you hold dear.

Honoring a Legacy: The Larry Moore Sr. Memorial Chapel

By Larry Moore • August 13, 2025
This year marks a milestone for Moore Funeral Home — 80 years of serving families in our community. As we reflect on our history, it’s impossible not to think of the people who shaped this place into what it is today. For me, that story begins with my dad, Larry Moore. In celebration of our 80th year, we placed a bronze plaque outside of our chapel naming it the Larry Moore Memorial Chapel in his honor and memory. This is more than a name — it’s a tribute to his vision, his hard work, and his deep commitment to the families of our community. In 2011, when a tornado destroyed our original chapel, Dad saw an opportunity not just to rebuild, but to build better. At a time when many funeral homes were downsizing to cut costs, he chose to do the opposite — creating a spacious, beautiful chapel designed to bring comfort and dignity to every service held here. He wanted families to have a special place to honor their loved ones, and he made sure they did. Dad also had a knack for noticing details that made a difference. At the old funeral home, built years earlier by his brother Ronnie Moore, he often joked (though he meant it) that the chapel was on the “wrong side” of the building. When services began, the family and casket had to be escorted through the lobby, past guests waiting there. He promised that if he ever rebuilt, things would be different. When the new chapel was constructed after the tornado, it was exactly the way he envisioned it — on the other end of the building, with a thoughtful layout that allowed families to enter the chapel privately and without distraction. The Larry Moore Memorial Chapel is a space built with love, foresight, and respect — qualities that defined my dad’s life and his work.  We will dedicate the chapel during our One Moore Ride Cruise-In on Saturday, October 18, 2025. I hope you’ll join us as we celebrate Dad’s legacy, this special milestone in our history, and the community we are so proud to serve. For me, this chapel will always be a reminder of Dad’s belief that families deserve the best we can give them — and I’m honored to have his name on the place where so many lives are remembered.

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80 Years of Service: Honoring the Past, Embracing the Future

By Larry Moore • February 9, 2025
This morning, during my run before work, I started mentally listing the tasks ahead—vacuum the parlors, clean the bathrooms, print memorial folders, and more. But as I ran, my thoughts drifted beyond my daily checklist. I found myself reflecting on how much funeral services have evolved over the years. This year marks 80 years of Moore Funeral Home serving our community, and yesterday was a perfect example of how things have changed. In one service, the speaker—unable to travel from Texas—delivered his message via Zoom. At the same time, we conducted a large funeral at a church in Higdon which was live-streamed, allowing hundreds of people to participate from the comfort of their homes. I can’t help but wonder what my great-grandfather would think. When he founded Moore Funeral Home in 1945 , he likely never imagined technology playing such a role in how we honor and remember our loved ones. Yet, while funeral services continue to evolve, one thing has remained constant—our commitment to serving families with compassion, dignity, and respect. As we celebrate 80 years, I’m incredibly grateful for the past and excited for the future. Thank you for trusting us to walk alongside you during life’s most difficult moments. It is our honor to continue this tradition of care for generations to come.